Three Chinese nationals have been arrested by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) during a targeted operation against illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, along the Tano River in the Amenfi West District of the Western Region.
The Media Relations Officer at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and spokesperson for NAIMOS, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, confirmed the development in an interview with JoyNews on May 15, 2026.
The suspects, identified as Deng Jun, 37; Deng Bi Hua, 50; and Deng Bi Qiang, 32, were allegedly supervising illegal mining operations at the site.
According to Mr. Schandorf, several Ghanaians at the site fled upon the arrival of the task force, while the foreign nationals remained at the scene and were subsequently arrested.
“Upon the arrival of the NAIMOS task force, it was detected that there were some Ghanaians around the site who fled immediately, but the Chinese nationals did not move, so they were arrested,” he stated.
He further revealed that the operation led to the seizure of weapons and equipment used in the illegal mining activities.
“The team also confiscated one pump-action gun, cartridges, and a Toyota Hilux pickup with registration number GS 5288–22. The suspects have since been handed over to the Immigration Service for further processes,” he added.
The arrested individuals were initially taken to the NAIMOS Secretariat before being transferred to the Enforcement Unit of the Ghana Immigration Service in Accra.
Additionally, the task force dismantled and destroyed over 20 changfan machines mounted on floating platforms, along with pipelines and other makeshift structures at the site.
Mr. Schandorf reiterated NAIMOS’ commitment to intensifying efforts to eliminate illegal mining activities along water bodies across the country.
